Amid increasing tuition costs, Indiana can succeed

June 07, 2007|VIRGINIA CALVIN

This spring, thousands of Indiana residents achieved the dream of earning a college degree. For most, it is a time to celebrate, as they leave school prepared to begin productive, fulfilling careers in the field of their choice. Many, however, also graduate with something not worth celebrating: a significant amount of debt. According to the College Board, a national not-for-profit organization, the median debt of four-year private college graduates is about $20,000. Public college graduates don't fare much better, with a median debt of about $16,000. And while their investment in higher education certainly will pay off over time, they may not enjoy the rewards of their efforts as quickly as they might have hoped. This news is unsettling enough on its own, but things may get even more challenging for Indiana families, given recently announced tuition rate increases across the state. In the fall, tuition and mandatory fees at many public institutions will rise considerably, with students paying as much as 6 percent more for their education. There certainly are legitimate reasons for these increases, as colleges and universities strive to meet student needs, respond to rising energy and infrastructure costs and fund scholarships and other student aid programs. Still, the fact remains that tuition increases may make higher education cost prohibitive for a growing number families. Amid what appears to be increasingly cloudy prospects for Indiana's college-bound teens and adults, however, there is a silver lining. The state legislature's landmark 2005 decision to expand the mission of Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana has resulted in a strong, vital, integrated community college system that makes higher education more accessible than ever before. Students across the state now can begin their educations at Ivy Tech, graduate with an associate degree and either immediately start a career or continue at a four-year institution. Today, Ivy Tech remains Indiana's most affordable higher education choice by far, with tuition rates that are approximately half the cost of other colleges and universities -- and that's even before factoring in fees incurred by students who live on campus. That means Ivy Tech students receive a high quality education without taking on nearly as much debt as their peers who spend their first two years somewhere else. Like other colleges and universities, Ivy Tech is planning to raise tuition in the fall. However, our 3.9 percent increase is the lowest among all public higher education institutions. Even with this increase, a year's tuition at Ivy Tech is still less than $3,000. In fact, students can complete two years and earn a degree at Ivy Tech for less than $6,000, which is less than a single year at many of the Indiana public colleges and universities they may later choose to transfer to. These numbers, combined with the state's need for a college-educated work force and students' need for affordable options, make Ivy Tech very well positioned to serve as the catalyst for the state's economic growth. For this to occur, however, there must be a rapid increase in the number of students who begin their studies at Ivy Tech before moving on to finish at a four-year institution. Ivy Tech certainly must earn the trust of students and families, but the college also must be supported by continued public advocacy that allows us to grow, and support systems that help students learn about all their options so they can make a choice that fits their financial and academic needs. Ivy Tech will not be the right choice for some students, of course, but if Indiana seeks to increase its educational attainment rates, more students must be encouraged to see Ivy Tech as a first tier option upon beginning their college education. The future of Indiana's economy is dependent on having a work force with true 21st century skills. If we wish to compete nationally and globally, a considerably larger number of Hoosiers will need a college education. One of the major obstacles standing in our way is the cost of higher education. To keep the dream of a college education within the reach of Indiana families, therefore, we must reconsider our higher education delivery systems. The presence of Ivy Tech gives us a solution immediately at hand, but we must commit to taking full advantage of the opportunities presented by that solution. By fully leveraging these opportunities, we can ensure that tomorrow's graduates leave college with more to celebrate, and with fewer financial burdens weighing them down. Virginia B. Calvin is chancellor of Ivy Tech Community College North Central Region.